The non-denominational non-profit Acts 4 Ministry, Inc. in Waterbury recently partnered with The Ungroup Society to serve young women-in-need by collecting prom dresses and accessories for their 2nd Annual Prom Dress Giveaway to be held on April 17. By Friday, April 15, the organizations will welcome donations of dresses, evening separates, shoes and accessories. They are also seeking either the direct professional services of hair dressers and nail technicians or gift cards for the young ladies to receive these services.

"We looked at ways we could re-purpose specialty items our organization receives such as beautiful evening gowns and accessories. The Ungroup Society resonated with our philosophy to inspire acts of love. So together our organizations hope to make each young lady feel special and elegant on her special prom night," stated Acts 4 Ministry Executive Director Sarah Elizabeth Carabetta.

"Acts 4 Ministry is not a church," explained Carabetta. "We are a collaborative group of a volunteer board of directors, staff members and a multitude of volunteers who desire to share God's love by meeting the physical needs of others. Including the provision of complimentary dresses for prom night events. We achieve our goal daily on many levels by collecting and distributing, free-of-charge to recipients, clothing and housewares with an accommodating furniture program through volunteerism. Each year we distribute clothing to nearly 4,000 people, and over 1,000 pieces of furniture and housewares to people of varying income levels throughout the Greater Waterbury area."

Families and individuals are frequently referred to Acts 4 Ministry by other charitable and social organizations to assist people who have suddenly lost their homes to a fire, flood or other unexpected devastation or upsetting life event. The organization's vision is to build relationships with people with varying levels of needs while providing them with the basics of daily living. Acts 4 Ministry, Inc. organization strives to partner with churches, social service agencies, and public schools to help identify and serve people with these needs in the context of the broader community regardless of their faith, race, creed, or national origin, or their willingness to participate in religious activities.

Ungroup Society Founder Warren Leach explained, "Our organization was born out of the idea that a person need not belong to any particular religious order, specific organization or ethnic group to help serve the needs of others. Our members desire to be free of rules and regulations that sometimes hinder cooperation and divide different groups. Acts 4 Ministry is on a similar mission. They work to help all people, free of any judgments or requirements. Both groups seek to be of service and to spread a good word both through giving praise and thanks all while backing it up with actions. All to the Glory of God."

Rhonda Gatling, The Ungroup Society's Coordinator Prom Dress Giveaway, stated that the idea to hold a prom gown giveaway came to her after watching the news on television. "There was a story about the Hartford prom gown giveaway so I thought there's probably a similar need in Waterbury. With the help of private citizens and dress boutique's we are able to help young ladies, who may otherwise not attend one of the most important nights of their lives due to financial hardship, have a wonderful prom experience."

Tax-deductible donations of dresses, shoes, and service provider gift certificates, etc. are requested by Friday, April 15. Donations can be brought to Acts 4 Ministry's building at 1713 Thomaston Avenue in Waterbury, Mondays through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or during select Saturdays. Visit www.acts4.org for select Saturday hours or call 203-574-2287.

Professional hairdressers and nail technicians who wish to donate their services should contact Acts 4 Ministry at 203-574-2287 to schedule dates, times and locations where they can donate their services to individual prom dress recipients. They can also U.S. Mail their salon's gift certificates to Acts 4 Ministry, PO Box 4524, Waterbury, CT 06704.

The Acts 4 Ministry's building features a store environment where people with immediate needs can select clothing, furniture and household items. "Individuals and families can come here to personally select clothing, dishes, glassware, furnishings, and other basic needs at no charge. They are provided with an atmosphere which preserves their dignity and allows them to walk around our store to select what they personally need vs. being handed clothing or furnishings they do not desire. This is a respectful environment where everyone is treated with caring support," stated Carabetta.

To learn more about Acts 4 Ministry, Inc.'s clothing and basic household goods needs and distributions; home visits; furniture deliveries; and our support of local area foods banks, health clinics, shelters, soup kitchens, disaster relief agencies, and international community support, please visit www.acts4.org or call 203-574-2287.

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